In Memory of our Beloved Joe Patenaude

This was written some time ago back on March 10, 2007 after finding out the head of Drew's theatre dept. passed away suddenly and tragically. RIP Joe, you still live forever in our hearts. 

Whirlwind
Shock.
Confusion.
Pain.
Then
Absolute
And utter
Numbness.

Hands shaking,
Mouth too dry
to speak.
Heart pounds
In grief.

Realization hits.
Never hear
Your jokes
In the
Theatre Wing
Again.
Never see
You smile
Or hear
Your laugh.

No longer
Will you
Kid, cajole,
Rib or
Advise us.
No longer
Will our
Department
Thrive under
Your dedicated
And extremely
Loving hand.

You have
Died and
Left this
Cold world.
But do
Not fear.
Although
You are
No longer
Among the
Living, you
Will never
Be forgotten.

Forever, you’ll
Live on
In our hearts
And in
The DOYO.

RIP Joseph Patenaude